Thinkersloft

My sister and her four kids home caught fire on Saturday. No one was home. Significant damage to several rooms, to include water and smoke damage. Most of their stuff is gone. 

Here is a link to the story.

http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/local/wwlp_local_neighbor_spots_apartment_fire_200906271445

Posted by Norm

The Northeast HS Class of 2009 now advance into further formal education or the workforce, diplomas in hand.  Number 6 of almost 300 was our own Nate.  He is on his way to Drexel to major in Math courtesy of Navy ROTC

WAYTOGO, NATEDOGG!  WE ARE PROUD OF YOU

Mam & Papa

Posted by Dad

Let us not forget the Sacrifices of those whom have given it all for our freedom.

Posted by Norm

Sunday was a major day in the life of Vicki and Nate.  They were Confirmed!  While all of us are Christians, not all of us know what it is to be Confirmed, with a capital C.  I will try to explain.  All churches hold that Faith and Baptism go together. Obviously, Babies that are Baptized can not have saving faith or repentance.  Therefore, their Believing parents makes a Confession of Faith for them.  Their Baptism is based on that Confession.  It is expected that the Baptized child will be raised in the Church and brought up as a Christian.  The Parents, God Parents and the entire Church make promises to do that very thing.  Hopefully, the day will arrive when the Baptized child is able and ready to confess the Baptismal Faith as his or her own.  This is done during a Worship Service.  On that day, the grown children confirm that the Faith confessed at their Infant Baptism on their behalf  is now truly their own. Hearing that confirmation, the Church, in the person of a Bishop, thanks God and prays He will fill the Confirmand with His Spirit and the grace to live henceforth for Christ.  The confirmed Believer is now considered a full-fledged disciple of Christ (a soldier of Christ)  And for all practical purposes, the confirmed Believer is also now recognized as a member of the Denomination.  This is the practice for all Denominations which Baptize infants. Confirmation is the way Baptized infants become Methodists or Presbyterians or Lutherans, etc  It is not the same thing as becoming a Christian or becoming a member of a particular local  parish or church.  

Vicki and Nate are now members of the Reformed Episcopal Church.  This is an Anglican Denomination whose first members left the Episcopal Church some 135 years ago because the latter had ceased being, in their eyes, truly evangelical.  

A Personal Note: To me, the moment I was confirmed is the moment when I left my Baptist Heritage and became an Episcopalian.  It was a major, dramatic, life changing moment for which I have paid a great price.   

Posted by Dad

http://www.military.com/news/article/navy-lets-sailors-take-break-from-service.html?ESRC=navy-a.nl

I just read this article and had to share. I am sure the "Old Salty Sailors" before my time must of thought my Naval Service time period was not as difficult as theirs, but come on lets get real people.  What every happened to the phrase "Steel Ships and Iron Men"? What about the Honor, Courage, and Commitment? Now it will be "Time Out, I need a break".

I certainly agree, that quality of life is a positive motivator for our service members and their families but this to me is just plain entertaining. You got to be kidding me.

Posted by Norm

CONGRATULATIONS, Vicki

One of the most important professions is teaching (that would have been my other career choice).  It is a great way to serve God, youth and our Nation.  Vicki has responded to the call and now embarks upon this vocation.  We are so thankful and proud.  May our Lord richly bless you with all the grace you will need, Vicki (including a "job" for next Fall).  You have used your time and talents well these 4 years.  We expect a wonderful career ahead of you, as you serve the greatest Teacher of all.  We love you

Mama and Papa OO

Posted by Dad

Hey everyone, I know we all talk (some more and others less) on the phone, and I realize Melissa and Melinda responded to the same question 3 months ago (thank you) but have there been changes and updates?  And what's up with the Florida and California Foxes?   It is good when we are all in the know, on the same page and can pray for each other more specifically. 

That would be a good thing :-)  Thanks

As of the moment, Mother and I have no plans for the Summer.  We very regretfully are unable to be with the Gosselins at Vicki's graduation this weekend as we had planned and looked forward to for four years.  The main thing is, she has made it and we are very proud and happy for her.  Nate's graduation is next month.  We hope to make that one and also see Andy at the same time

Posted by Dad

It would be very helpful for all of us if we knew every one's plans and dates for upcoming events, as we try to plan and coordinate our Summer trips and visits.  Could we all post dates as soon as possible?  That would be very helpful.  Thanks

Dad

Posted by Dad

Dear Victoria,

Belated Happy New Year!!!  And it is all the happier for
your having achieved Dean’s List status!

 In these times of economic crisis, when all families must
be careful about how they spend their money, a college education is valuable
indeed: valuable for what it costs, and valuable in what it gives.  You are
obviously making the most of your time at Eastern – you are studying
hard; you are learning to think, write, and speak as an educated person;
moreover you are learning to integrate your faith with the life of the mind and
the gospel call to justice. 

You model the best traits of your generation.  Your family
and friends are, no doubt, proud of you.  Your teachers at Eastern are proud of
you.  Even more, the God who made you with your many gifts, celebrates your
life and achievement.

May all blessings be with you in 2009 as you continue to
learn and to love.

 

With deep respect,

Elizabeth Morgan

Elizabeth Morgan  

Dean of Arts and Sciences

Posted by Vicki

The Politico has an excellent article on why we should have a healthy skepticism about the incoming administration and congress.

Seven reasons for healthy skepticism

The problems are very large, and unless our new leaders show humility and seek God, we may be getting into deeper trouble. That's what I will be praying for and looking for in our leaders.

Posted by Dave